Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer (MLS) for violating the league’s policy on physical conduct. The Inter Miami forward was penalized for an incident during his team’s 2-2 draw with New York City FC on February 22, where he was seen grabbing the neck of an opposition assistant coach.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee announced the fine, citing Messi’s breach of the league’s policy against raising hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent. The incident occurred during a heated moment in the match, with Messi approaching the coaching staff and placing his hand on the back of the assistant coach’s neck.
In a related development, Messi’s teammate, Luis Suarez, was also fined for a similar violation. The Uruguayan striker was penalized for pinching the back of NYCFC player Birk Risa’s neck during halftime.
Both fines underscore MLS’s commitment to maintaining discipline and sportsmanship on the field. The league has not disclosed the exact amounts of the fines but emphasized that such actions are taken to ensure the integrity of the game.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has since become a central figure in the team’s lineup. Despite the incident, his performance on the field continues to draw global attention, with fans eagerly watching his contributions to the MLS.
